Over $143.8 million USD sent to artisans so far!
Artisan Subscription Box
Passport Club
Member Zone
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
Bestseller
New Arrival
Bestseller
New Arrival
New Arrival
Bestseller
Featured Sale
Featured Sale
Featured Sale
Coming back
Featured Sale
Featured Sale
Bestseller
Member Zone
Every purchase supports NOVICA's mission to spread happiness by celebrating exploration, empowering artists, and preserving global culture. Our Mission
Necklaces Good Luck
42 items
Related Categories
Unique Finds
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
Handmade necklaces are incomparable works of wearable art. Each one is unique in shape, color, size and design. Artisans from across the globe offer their own distinctive style of craftsmanship. In India, the vibrant colored gemstones have become a signature fashion statement. Balinese jewelry is characterized by ornate sterling tendrils set with tiny silver spheres. In Brazil, womens necklaces are often sleek and contemporary, with gemstones chosen for their particular energies. Many jewelry designs from Bali and Central America feature hand-knotted macram, such as that used in Guatemalas popular friendship bracelets. Handmade finishes may show variations in metal patterns. No two natural gemstones share the same characteristics. Each necklace holds its own individualistic sense of beauty, making it evident that it was crafted by hand. Some even bear the artisans signature.
Sustainable necklaces are designed with reusable materials, and each culture makes use of the objects and materials most readily at hand. For example, many Andean, Central American and Thai artists use repurposed wood. West African artisans use recycled paper, and beads of recycled glass or plastic. In Thailand, Mexico and Bali, coconut shells are often used. Indian artists sometimes repurpose silk from saris. And Brazilian artists collect discarded zippers and soda pop-tops to crochet into stunning, eco-friendly designs.
Many artisans the world over work in lost wax. They sculpt the image they want in wax, encase it in a mold, and pour molten silver or gold into it. The wax melts and flows out, leaving only the precious metal. However some artisans in Peru specialize in handmade silver and gold filigree, and some Balinese necklaces feature chains that are handwoven from slender metal strands. Karen hill tribe artisans in Thailand often use manual tools to stamp decorative motifs on fine silver. Other techniques include macram, beaded or gemstone strands, hammered metals, and carved wood or bone.
Precious metals and natural gemstones are the most popular materials for women's necklaces. Silver, gold and brass all provide durability as well as beauty. Artisans also utilize local materials that can include coconut shells, bamboo, bright African print fabrics, ceramic beads, natural amber, carved bone and bull horn. Both Peru and Mexico have rich silver mines and silver is used for traditional jewelry as well as contemporary designs.
Women's necklaces are versatile and come in many styles and lengths. They can be layered or worn alone as a statement piece. Many designs go with everything from jeans to office wear or an evening out on the town. The best thing about jewelry is that its a customizable form of expression that provides a sense of luxury and individuality.
When assessing the workmanship of a necklace, its helpful to pay attention to certain characteristics. For example, quality necklaces are balanced designs that rest comfortably around the neck. Clasps are secure and work well, and gemstones and beads are properly set. The precious metals should be nicely finished, and beads should not be too tightly strung. Well-made necklaces reflect excellent craftsmanship and attractive materials.
Each culture celebrates its rich jewelry-making history through specific symbols and styles. For example, traditional West African beads, which adorn many necklaces from the region, each have a story and a specific occasion when they are worn. Others may feature the Ghanian adinkra symbols, which convey popular wisdom. In ancient Andean civilizations, the leaders apparel and jewelry showed their rank and also incorporated religious symbols. Similarly, necklaces from Bali often depict deities from the Hindu pantheon. In India, a womans jewelry is linked to her status in society and may depict Hindu gods as well as mantra symbols such as the omkara, the root of all sounds and the emblem of the Most High. Angel necklaces and harmony ball necklaces are often worn by pregnant women in Bali and in Mexico. The pendant makes a delicate bell sound, thought to soothe the mother and the baby she is carrying. Some believe it summons a guardian angel, thus making it a symbol of loving protection.
Featured Reviews
Dorice B.
Jun 21, 2016
I have 3 now!!!
I love this SO MUCH! I reordered just in case something happens! I may even get one more. I should give them as presents but I can't bring myself to give them up!!'
This has become my Wife's Favorite!
I didn't realize my wife liked elephants or gold so much when I bought her this necklace... but now she wears it almost everyday. It's simple, sweet and durable. Thank you Jantana - I wouldn't wear your jewelry because I'm one of those guys that don't wear jewelry... but I love the simplicity of your designs - keep up the great work!
PIERO
Feb 9, 2021
Delightful pendant
You cannot but help admire the craftsmanship that went into this delightful, airy piece of jewellery.
Featured Artist
Jantana Sterling silver jewelry
"Now that our parents have retired, they have more time to visit us. They are so happy that we are carrying on their silver jewelry tradition!"
"My dream is to one day have a jewelry workshop and produce my own designs. My parents are jewelers and created made to order jewelry in our... read more
The Summer Catalog
Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.
SHOP THE CATALOG
